i82 FRUITS AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS 



ally the very best is none too good for the purpose, ^\'ith careful selection of 

 stock, berries of enormous size may be had in pots; it is therefore to the interest 

 of the grower to procure the best he can obtain. 



Select early runners so that the crowns may have time to mature and ripen 

 up thoroughly b}' Fall. At times, especially in a very dry season, it may be 

 diflicult to procure early runners, unless there has been watering. If you have 

 strong plants in two-inch pots read}- for re-potting about the end of July, ample 

 time will be allowed to grow or develop the crowns before the Winter sets in. 

 I have found that if the plants are grown much earlier than this, split crowns 

 may be the result. I would rather have one good crown than two or three split 

 ones. These latter are \ery undesirable for forcing, especially when extra fine 

 fruit Is the aim. 



Runners are generally produced in great abundance, more freely by some 

 varieties than by others. There are two methods for increasing the stock: 

 \\ hen the runners are large enough or begin to emit roots, fill a number of two- 

 inch pots with soil, plunge the pot in the soil and place one runner on each pot, 

 securing it with a stone or a peg, or anything that will hold it in place until it 

 has rooted. The runner will often extend beyond and form another plant, but 

 one plant to a runner is ample. If the runner shows signs of extending, pinch 

 first beyond the plant that is layered. They should be left until the pots are 

 filled with roots before cutting away from the mother plant. In very dry weather 

 the pots must be kept moist or root action will be slow. Excellent plants may 

 be obtained in this manner. In a moist season extra strong runners may be 

 had with very little trouble. 



I have also secured excellent runners by culti\ating between the rows, 

 directly after the fruit has been all gathered. Soften up the surface, then as 

 the runners come away from the old plants, they will readily root into the soft 

 surface, forming nice young plants in a short time if the weather is favorable. 

 But do not allow these runners to get too firmly established, or they may receive 

 a severe check on being taken up. Stock secured in this way should be potted 

 up in two-inch or two and one-half-inch pots; a fairly close place is preferable 

 until they are established in the pots. A frame is good for the purpose, with a 

 light shade, to prevent the young plants from wilting. Gradually admit more 

 air as they establish themselves. The main point is to establish them, but not 

 to let the foliage llag. In a week or ten days they will be ready for a shift into 

 larger pots. Good stock may be secured with either system, in careful hands 

 and with attention to details. 



PROCESS OF FORCING, TEMPERATURES, FEEDING, ETC. 



We come now to the more fascinating work of gradually bringing the fruit 

 along to maturity. There is nothing more interesting than to watch the steady 

 progress of a healthy batch of Strawberries. They will throw up their dainty 

 blossoms, that tell of Spring, while outside there may be frost and snow. In 

 this contrast the Strawberry bloom is all the more inviting, and the fruit follow- 

 inc is a picture to behold. When Strawberry forcing is done to any extent^ 



